Fushigi Yuugi Vol. 13

ふしぎ遊戯 [Fushigi Yûgi] #13

by Yuu Watase

When best friends Miaka and Yui open an ancient Chinese book, they find themselves transported to a parallel world. Trapped in the Universe of the Four Gods, Miaka is identified as a priestess who must save an entire empire.

Genres: Manga, Fantasy, Romance, Graphic Novels, Shojo, Comics, Young Adult

191 pages, Paperback

First published April 26, 1995

About the author

Yuu Watase (渡瀬悠宇) is a Japanese shoujo manga-ka. She is known for her works Fushigi Yūgi, Alice 19th, Ceres: The Celestial Legend, Fushigi Yūgi Genbu Kaiden and Absolute Boyfriend. She likes all music, except heavy metal and old traditional music.

She received the Shogakukan Manga Award for shōjo for Ceres, Celestial Legend in 1997. Since writing her debut short story "Pajama de Ojama" ("An Intrusion in Pajamas"), Watase has created more than 80 compiled volumes of short stories and continuing series. Because of her frequent use of beautiful male characters in her works, she is widely regarded in circles[which?] as a bishōnen manga artist.[citation needed] In October 2008, Watase began her first shōnen serialization, Arata: The Legend in Weekly Shōnen Sunday.
Her name is romanized as "Yû Watase" in earlier printings of Viz Media's publications of Fushigi Yūgi, Alice 19th, and Ceres, The Celestial Legend, while in Viz Media's Fushigi Yūgi Genbu Kaiden and Absolute Boyfriend her name is romanized as "Yuu Watase". In Chuang Yi's English-language versions of Fushigi Yugi (spelled without a macron or circumflex), her name is romanized as "Yu Watase".

Reviews

[Janean · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm not crying, YOU'RE CRYING. <3

[Pixie &#x1f35c; · Rating 4 out of 5]

Yuu Watase really said I only care about one or two characters and will kill any I feel like.
4/7 celestial warriors dead 💀

[Whitney (The Cover Collector) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Why are there 5 more volumes and why do I have to read them?

[fawkes · Rating 4 out of 5]

No sé como pueden haber 4 tomos más si este acaba super cerrado. NO ENTIENDO NADAAAAAAAAAAA.

[Jolly Ann Paciencia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is excellent!!!

[Bibliothecat · Rating 3 out of 5]

Review for complete series



I am actually really sad and disappointed. Fushigi Yuugi was that one classic shoujo fantasy that I never got around to reading even though I was convinced I would love it. I love Watase's art - this is an older work and the art is a tad dated, but it's perfectly lovely. It's a portal fantasy quest story with Chinese lore and it's not ridiculously long like many of its peers (I'm looking at you Inu Yasha and Yona of the Dawn). Eighteen volumes seemed like the perfect length and there was just no way I wasn't going to love this. It turns out that this manga has some of the worst pacing I have ever come across.

At its core, the story is pretty straight forward: Miaka is your normal school girl who comes by a magic book, gets pulled into an ancient fantasy world and is sent on a quest to collect items that will help her save the world she's in. For this, she needs to pull together some preordained set of warriors who fight by her side. Of course she falls in love with one of them and there's the big drama or which world she will end up staying in. All of this is pretty standard in this type of portal fantasy but that's exactly what I am here for. So while the premise isn't hugely unique, it's definitely not the problem I had with this story.

The first couple of volumes were insta-everything. I'm not just talking about Miaka and Tamahome falling madly in love from volume one, all other relationships are established in the same way. Yui, Miaka's best friend, is also in love with Tamahome from the moment they meet. The emperor is in love with Miaka from before they meet. All allies join their ranks effortlessly and they become best buddies just because. There's no real effort in recruiting any of the characters nor even finding them. Part of the whole point of this quest was to find these characters yet they just sometimes stumble into a scene, introducing themselves and declaring they're part of the gang and are already set to join them on a quest - no questions asked. It was so extreme that I don't think the last two characters added to the group were given much of a personality and were completely forgettable.

The problem with tossing these characters together like that is that there are no real developments. They say they all love and care for each other but, as far as I am concerned, I can't really believe them. If I see characters get to know each other, grow and form bonds, I will care for them. If they just pop out of the blue and risk limb and life for each other I feel there is something sorely lacking. I can't invest into friendships or romances that just kind of happened without any development whatsoever.

The plot becomes continuously more dark and a lot of deaths and loss occur. I'd normally feel something for these characters by that point but everything feels so over the top dramatic given what it is all based on. The pacing did improve quite a bit halfway through the series and the last couple of volumes were over all well-paced. The problem is that the damage was already done - the characters grew on me to some extent and while their actions and motifs became more believable, it still didn't do away with how wishy-washy their starting point was.

I also need to dedicate a paragraph to Yui - I feel no sympathy for her whatsoever. I don't care if she was manipulated, her actions were shallow and selfish. She blames Miaka for things she didn't do and sets heaven and hell loose just to get an uncalled for revenge. It's such a shame because I liked Yui's character in the second arc but yet again, it was already ruined by how she acted in the first arc. I'm not saying a character can't redeem themselves, Yui did do her part to earn forgiveness. The problem is that her anger and bitterness was completely misplaced and out of proportion.

I am not saying that this is a bad manga. I do think that a lot of people who like this are driven by nostalgia and I think I would have liked it a lot more had it also been one of my first manga. But after years of manga reading, this just doesn't deliver emotionally what I would expect of a good fantasy manga. The art is its strongest point, the characters are nice but they were never given the time they needed to grow. I don't think that eighteen volumes was too short, I just think that Watase priorities the wrong things over proper character and relationship development. I am not even sure what I am going to do with my copies - it's a good chunk of eighteen volumes taking up shelf space and somehow I don't see myself reading it again. Yet there's a part of me that just really wants to like this - but of course, wanting to like something and actually liking it are not the same thing. I think it will ultimately depend on how much I like its prequel Genbu Kaiden - I expect it to be a better work as it was written later and Watase has already proven in other works and in Fushigi Yuugi's second arc that she can write a properly paced story.

[Rei · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can't stop crying, my heart broke a thousand times, it was perfect, well not at all but it kinda was, Yuu's drawing is astonishing! and her story is even better, a bit long but so good and intrinsically complex (sorry but I almost couldn't fine words to express this!) Finally I cried a lot! I love every Susaku's star, additionally I loved the fenix explanation, not everything was pink, which I also completely loved and now I'm just wondering what Yuu is giving us next .-.

[Emi えみ Takami 鷹見 · Rating 5 out of 5]

It feels as if the story should end here, but there is still several volumes left, and Genbu Kaiden...

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

AAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHH 😭😭😭💗💗💗

[Lynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Today's post is on Fushigi Yugi: The Mysterious Play, Volume 13: Goddess by Yuu Watase. It is 183 pages long and is published by Shojo Beat. The cover has the two main characters on it facing facing the reader with excitement. The intended reader is someone who likes historical fantasy, high fantasy, romance, and shojo stories. There is mild foul language, mild sexuality, and violence in this story. The story is told from third person close of the main characters. There Be Spoilers Ahead.

From the back of the book- Nakago has entered the real world to collect on Yui's promise to grant him the third and final Seiryu wish. But his wish may have had the greatest consequence of all for Yui! Miaka summons Suzaku, but it is too late to protect her world and the world of the book?


Review- This is the end of the first part of Fushigi Yugi. Everything comes to a head and explodes into an unexpected ending. I did not know that Watase broke Fushigi Yugi into more than just one major plot arc. So having all the plot threads just wrapped up and done was odd. Miaka summons Suzaku and saves everyone, even though we know from the previous priestess that should not be possible as the god should devour the priestess as the ending of the summoning. So we have Miaka and Yui living their lives back in Tokyo and they are better people for their experiences but Miaka still loves Tamahome and then he finds her somehow. I am very curious about where part two is going to go from here, I just have no idea about where Watase can go and how she can make it blend with the first part of the story.

I give this volume a Four out of Five stars. I get nothing for my review and I bought this manga with my own money.

[Andrea Aguas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Goddamn, that ending was satisfying. But the best part for me here was when I turned the page and saw Nuriko on the scene! I literally had to hold my breath and go to the previous page to check if I'm understanding the story correctly. The way the author ended this book didn't raise any thoughts in my head. I'm satisfied with it, and to think I'm not a reader who gets satisfied with an ending easily.

I'm glad this is the first story I picked to start my new year. It awakened the childhood that I have almost completely forgotten. Fushigi Yûgi is a strong part of my life in a way that it awakened what romance is to me at a very young age. Tamahome was my first crush, and to think that he's an anime character, it's weird to think that I'd get these feelings for him back when I was young. I'm glad I became a reader. I owed it to myself to review all these past stories that saved my young self from the abuse, giving me diversion and relief. To the author, I owe you my life. Thank you.

[Finn Lectora · Rating 5 out of 5]

Releer Fushigi Yúgi es volver a redescubrir el porqué Yuu Watase sigue siendo mi mangaka favorita.

En uno de los tomos, Watase afirma que le encanta hablar de sensaciones y que sus personajes son el fiel reflejo de la vida real. Las dificultades, las pérdidas, los grises… Sin obstáculos, no hay metas. Sino presentas situaciones que te obliguen a cuestionar tus mayores fortalezas y conocer tus peores debilidades, entonces dejaríamos de ser humanos.

Para mí, hubiese finalizado aquí. Un cierre redondo donde el fénix simboliza el resurgimiento, los nuevos principios y sobre todo, algún que otro milagro más que merecido.

[Zennica Bunny · Rating 4 out of 5]

Volume 13 is pure emotional whiplash in the best (and worst) way. Miaka’s courage shines brighter than ever, but the stakes are higher than Tasuki’s temper on a bad day. Tamahome is out here battling fate, Nakago is still the king of chaos, and the Suzaku Seven are holding it together—barely.

It’s dramatic, devastating, and somehow still funny, with a cliffhanger that’ll have you yelling, “WHY?!” at the sky. Short and sweet? This volume hurts so good. Four out of five stars for maximum feels and minimum chill.

[Anne Mey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Un bon final avec la guerre dans le livre en même temps que l'invasion de Nakago dans le monde de Miaka et son combat contre Tamahome. On revoit toutes les étoiles et on espère que Yui va enfin entendre raison. Une fin bien satisfaisante.

[Lau · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfecto.
Fue la conclusión perfecta aunque no hacía falta matar a Hotohori Ç___Ç.
Me emocionó mucho, y al final hasta sentí pena por Nakago, quién lo hubiera imaginado.

¿Qué vendrá a continuación? El manga podría manga concluir acá sin ningún problema.

[Matt Ichijoji · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gran final de la primera parte del manga. Hacia tiempo que quería leer otra vez este manga... Y no me ha decepcionado..recordaba mucho pero a grandes rasgos. Otras cosillas me han sorprendido o no las recordaba bien.

[Bee (BacchusVines) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I did enjoy the ending to the first part, and always forget that theres a second part with a paranormal twist.

[Henry Hikawa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book and the chracteres.

[Mel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Seems like a good place to end the series but I'm going to continue on.

[✨Sky✨ ♏ · Rating 3 out of 5]

3,5 stars

[Bradley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Excellent story. Good stuff. =)

[Angela]

I decided to DNF this.

[Lindsey Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Always the ending that gets me!

[Coke Fernández · Rating 4 out of 5]

Parece como si fuera el tomo final...

[maraia]

someone give my poor girl miaka some DURABLE clothes please

[ⓘⓣⓐ · Rating 5 out of 5]

2024 goal 169/150

[Caroline · Rating 3 out of 5]

After reading the last 5 volumes of this series that take place after volume 13...this is definitely where the series deserved to end. I wish I'd read some of the reviews on the site before bothering getting the others from my library system as they were just not up to snuff with the rest of the series.

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

So the end of the main story. And it was pretty epic! There were fights, chases, escapes, true love, miracles... and even more character death. Loose ends were tied up and at least one unexpected backstory was doled out

Death Scenes:

Hotohori's death was huge and given a lot of weight as it should be. I love how basically he attacked because Nakago was not only screwing up their world, including Kutou (to use the Japanese word since I forgot the other) really for his own pettiness, and then going to attack Miaka's world in order to rule it. It was a good fight and a good death and he got his own in. Also the anime made it e p i c, with Hotohori's theme playing as he said goodbye-- as well as Miaka being there for him. As much gripes as I have about what happened (or lack of) to Chiriko and Mitsukake, Hotohori's was done well.

Suboshi's was surprising and brief but full of impact. It was cool to see how both Yui and Amiboshi felt it hard. One different from the anime-- or should I say that the anime added, was Tamahome's sibs holding Suboshi down. I was expecting to see it and was surprised that I didn't. Though I think I prefer the manga.

Conversely, Nakago's death included Soi and his mother, which I was surprised at and rather liked. We also see Nakago's backstory which is harsh and brutal and explains a lot. Though I am still linefacing hard at Nakago's tribe worshipping a demon god for the reason they're persecuted (because it has a kind of 'they brought this on themselves' vibe). Still, Nakago is presented as a victim of circumstance, at least as a child. And we do see as well (and Watase-sensei reaffirms this) that Nakago treats his subordinates well and they follow him even above and to the detriment of their own emperor]

It was a fitting end to a great series. However, reading it some xx years later it does lose some of its impact for me. Not that it isn't great, but I find I'm not as enthused as I once was. Part of that may be the heavy leaning on Tamahome and Miaka.

Things I did like though?

A) Miaka summoning Suzaku. Gives me the chills every time.

B) The return of the seishi because they wanted to help her so badly. (though boo on Mitsukake and Chiriko just...showing up :/)

C) Yui wearing Nakago's earring to remind herself and just reaffirming the connection.

....

D) and okay, yes, Tamahome/Taka's appearance at the end. Okay? It was good. I didn't tear up you did.

Bonus: Miaka's "This is the best book I ever read". Me too, Miaka. Me too.

[Veronica Ika · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nakago's Malevolent Scheme
Nakago's entrance into the real world to claim Yui's promise of the third Seiryu wish brings forth a grave threat to both worlds. With his nefarious intentions driving him forward, Nakago poses a formidable challenge to Miaka and her allies.

Desperate Measures
As Nakago's plan unfolds and the fate of both worlds hangs in the balance, Miaka summons Suzaku in a desperate bid to protect her world and the world within the book. But with time running out and Nakago's power growing stronger, it may already be too late to stop the cataclysmic events set in motion.

A Battle for Survival
As the final confrontation draws near, Miaka and her allies must confront Nakago and his forces in a battle that will determine the fate of two worlds. With everything on the line, they must summon all their strength, courage, and determination to overcome the darkness and restore peace once and for all.

[Samantha · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the last book in this story arc. The second storyline starts in the next one. It ends perfectly and I love it. Nakago's past finally gets revealed in this one as well as all of his motivations. I take it he really did love Soi since he sees her with his mom at the end. I am so glad Chichiri survived!! The dead celestial warriors make another appearance and it was nice to have the whole gang back for the final battle. I love that Tai Yi Jun can change form/gender/shape at will. Emperor Under the Heavens, indeed.